Fremont library construction coming together

FREMONT – The Neuschafer Community Library is on track to open at its new location this fall, with construction running ahead of schedule and expected to be completed in July.

“As I see the structure continue to take shape, there’s still a feeling of disbelief, but also joy, awe, and gratitude,” Library Director Melissa Krause said. “It reminds me of what can be accomplished through community support and collaboration.”

The new building in downtown Fremont was temporarily referred to as the “Tri-County Library and Community Center” in grant applications to reflect the library’s broad service area, according to Krause.

“Given our unique geographic location, I wanted reviewers to immediately understand that we serve multiple counties and a wide rural population,” she said.

Krause said there are no plans to change the name of the Neuschafer Community Library itself.

“Preserving the history of the Neuschafer Community Library is important to me, as I’m sure it is to others,” she said. “Many individuals have contributed to its legacy, and I would like thoughtful recognition in the new facility.”

Naming opportunities for specific rooms or the building may be considered in the future if significant philanthropic support is offered, she said.

The new library is funded primarily through a $4.25 million grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Flexible Facilities Program. An additional $82,000 in local donations helped secure the property at 208 Waupaca St.

Krause said the project faced several challenges.

“Nothing like this had been done before in a small village, so a lot to be worked through,” she said. “It certainly didn’t move forward by accident. I don’t think this would have happened without the community showing up, supporting the effort, and making it clear that this was something they needed and deserved.”

Krause said planning incorporated contingency funds and moving-related expenses to keep the project on budget. Library staff, with assistance from community volunteers, will manage the relocation of books, equipment and furniture.

While nearby New London recently approved spending up to $35,000 to move all of its library books and materials to a new location, Krause noted that the library there requested approval to use funds already set aside for the move.

She said the Fremont library could make a similar request if necessary, but for now, the move seems manageable with existing staff and community support.

“We have a smaller collection to consider,” she said.

The new site is just blocks from the current location and construction is progressing quickly. Interior drywall installation is underway, and exterior work, including solar panel installation, is expected to begin soon.

The building’s design aims to reflect the community’s character while providing multifunctional spaces. Features inspired by the riverfront include materials, textures, and visual elements that subtly reference local fishing and water landscapes. The facility will offer technology access, study and collaboration areas, telehealth services, and programming space for teens, families and older adults.

“I am most excited about the flexibility of the design,” Krause said. “I wanted to make sure that spaces could be multifunctional and be intentionally designed to adapt as community needs change over time.”

Krause said patrons stop in every day to talk about the visible progress, express their excitement, ask questions, or discuss the role the library has played in their lives.

“This building feels deeply personal to many people in the community, and there are moments it still feels surreal because of how far the project has come,” she said. “After we broke ground, I fully understood that this was bigger than a building.”

The new library also includes long-term stewardship plans. Deed restrictions ensure the property remains dedicated to library use, and discussions are underway to create an endowment to support ongoing maintenance. A grand opening date has not yet been set.

Krause said seeing the construction take shape has been both surreal and inspiring.

“I see a place of potential and wonder,” she said. “I see a place of history and legacy. I’m really proud of that.”